(Washington, D.C.) The Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia (Commission) is asking D.C. residents and businesses to conserve electricity. Due to extremely cold weather, electricity demand is expected to increase in the District and surrounding areas, resulting in a strained electrical grid. PJM Interconnection, the electricity grid operator for 65 million people in 13 states and the District of Columbia, issued an advisory to conserve electricity.
"The Commission encourages D.C. utility consumers to reduce their electricity usage to avoid any power outages. We will continue to monitor the situation and are communicating with PJM and District government officials,” stated Emile Thompson, Chairman of the Commission.
District utility consumers can take three simple steps to conserve energy:
Setting thermostats lower than usual if health permits
Postpone use of major electric appliances such as stoves, dishwashers, and clothes dryers until after 10 a.m. December 25th
Turning off non-essential electric lights, equipment, and appliances
Residents in need of cold weather resources during this time can contact the following emergency shelters and warming sites:
EMERGENCY SHELTERS AND WARMING SITES
Access to Emergency Shelter — Shelters that accept individuals and families in need are open, along with designated hypothermia overflow sites. Individuals can access these sites on their own or by contacting the Shelter Hotline at (202) 399-7093 or 311.
Access to Overnight Warming Sites — Designated public buildings may open overnight and during the day tomorrow in the event that the Hypothermia Alert remains activated. Individuals can access these sites on their own or by contacting the Shelter Hotline or 311 for transportation. Overnight Warming Sites are in operation 7:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m. Some sites may open later than 7:00 p.m. based on regularly scheduled business operations. These locations include some libraries and low barrier shelters to come in from the cold.
The Downtown Day Services Center (The Center) will extend walk-in hours until 8:00 p.m. this evening. The Center will also be open 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Saturday, December 24 and will re-open 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday, December 26.
Transportation to Warmth and Safety — Free transportation to an emergency shelter or warming site is provided to anyone experiencing homelessness in the District during a Cold Weather Emergency. To request transportation to shelter for persons in the District experiencing homelessness, contact the Shelter Hotline or 311. When calling the hotline, please include the time, address, or location of the sighting and a description of the person's appearance. Please call 911 if it appears there is an immediate risk to an individual's safety.
For any emergencies or power outages, consumers should contact their utility:
Pepco at 1-877-PEPCO-62 (1-877-737-2662)
Washington Gas at 703-750-1400
Verizon at 1-800-VERIZON (1-800-837-4966)
If you have any utility issues or complaints, please contact the Commission's Office of Consumer Services at 202-262-5120 from Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia is an independent agency established by Congress in 1913 to regulate electric, natural gas, and telecommunications companies in the District of Columbia.